Tumor markers and prognostic parameters in urinary bladder cancer

Ideal tumor markers for use in the primary diagnosis or follow up of superficial or invasive cancers have not yet been found. Nonetheless, the literature contains references to parameters that are relevant to prognosis and to markers for bladder tumors, and many of these are certainly of value when specific questions are addressed. Urinalysis has been considerably refined and yields information on superficial tumors. Quantitative immunocytology is used to check whether prophylactic treatments are indicated and, if so, for how long; conventional cytology is helpful in the clinical follow up after BCG treatment of carcinoma in situ. In the present paper all important markers for urothelial cancer are reviewed and their value in diagnosis and treatment is discussed.